I'm replacing the window channels, as my windows roll up very slow and catch a few inches from the top.

I'm a bit of a purist, and they aren't that much more, so I figured Mazda OEM would be THE best option:
http://mazdatrix.com/doorwin1.htm

Well, I've double checked the item number and it checks out - but the ones I received are clearly a poor fit - the OEM have rubber welded corner seams, which I assumed are supposed to match the shape of the window frame. These ones have the top front seam a solid 4"+ too far back!!! Compared with the original channels that were on here, which have the seam perfectly in the corner.

These new channels HELP the window roll up, but it still catches, tilts forward, and jams about 1/4" from closed.

Anyone else have experience with this? Overall length is perfect, shape is totally wrong. All I can think is maybe they some how stamped some 280z or FC channels with the FB code??

I can take pictures tonight if this is confusing

Thanks,
Geoff

 

I bought door seals from Mazdatrix years ago and while the package was labeled with the correct part # for the FB, they were actually FC seals (and obviously no use to me). I'm wondering if this is what happened with your window seal...

I replaced my window seals with OEM Mazda parts (from a dealer) earlier this year and they fit perfectly.

Might be worth contacting Mazdatrix about it...

 

OK this is great - you'll dig this one...

n00b moment of the YEAR for me! I measured the lengths of the channels vs the rubber and became immediately apparent - I had the damned thing in backwards

The failure in my procedure - I held it up against the door - matched the first side-length to the rear channel, saw it was the same, put it in. Well, front and rear channel are same length.... its the top channel you want to go off of.

20/20 hindsight, and with a little spray of WD-40 on the outside of the lower part of the channel guide and it slid right over the glass.

 

Lol, glad you got it figured out.

 

my drivers side window does that. i always have to open my door and pull it up. try doing that on the highway going 60 mph while driving with your knees...

thing is when i bought my car my door was bent. the PO thought it was a good idea to push it into his garage with the door slightly open and bent the top of the door from closing i have since straightened it. where i think it should be...

but it seems someone was inside and moved some stuff around. one of the bolts for the front "guide" was channeled to pull it in closer. so i think some idiot engineering is afoot here. this may have to do with the car being in an accident once before. the front was slightly damaged along with the rear being very badly damaged. apparent by the poor body work that is now baking off my car as we speak.

my question is is there any hope of buying this expensive factory part to maybe fix my problem or should i just by another door? (ive had that suggested by more than one person, including the guy who does my windshields who looked at it for me)???

sorry for the long story...

 

it could be the window regulator too

 

hmm maybe. it rolls up fine it just goes crooked and get stuck. ive taken it apart and inspected it before. thing is where do i get a new regulator for a 30 year old mazda? ive seen them for sale from mazdatrix for like $150 for that much id much rather buy a new door and call it quits